SCM History
In the 1960s, a resurgence of interest in Montessori education reached America, attracting educators and parents alike.
In Santa Cruz, a group of dedicated parents, mainly from UCSC and Cabrillo College, established Santa Cruz Montessori School in 1964, embodying Maria Montessori's educational vision.
Nurturing Growth Since the 1960s
The 1960’s brought a rebirth of interest in Montessori education to America. This interest was fueled not only by educators, but also by parents of young children. So it was in Santa Cruz, where a group of parents, composed mainly of instructors at the newly opened UCSC and Cabrillo College, came together to create a new nonprofit preschool program founded on Maria Montessori’s vision of education. They wrote the school bylaws and articles of incorporation for Santa Cruz Montessori School, found a location in a local church, and sent a few teachers to England where they were enrolled in the St. Nicholas Montessori teacher training program. The school opened in 1964 with one primary class led by fully trained Montessori teachers and school director.
As the school grew, a search was launched for a permanent home. By the early 1970’s a new location had been found in Aptos – a beautiful, natural outdoor setting with a ranch house and outbuilding on two acres of beautiful property. Starting in the early 1980’s the parents and teachers worked with architects over many years to create plans for new primary, elementary and specialist spaces, and the community room and office on the main campus, and, after another long property search, for a new home for our toddler and adolescent programs at our Winston campus.
Throughout this time, the Board set a goal to hire trained Montessorians to guide the children at each level. A strong school community grew together based on creating an authentic Montessori experience for each child in our care. The Board worked to assure teachers had the resources and remuneration necessary to build a stable faculty led by an experienced Montessori Head of School. Board members set standards for themselves; educating themselves in best school governance practices including financial oversight of the budget and fundraising to allow the school to flourish. As SCM looks forward to its 60th anniversary, we are grateful for all those who have worked to create our beautiful school community.